Never forget our Great War heroes

Reporter: Robbie Gill
Date published: 13 August 2013


VICTORIA Cross winners from Oldham will be recognised for their valour next year to mark the centenary of the First World War.

Commemorative paving stones will be laid in memory of every British VC winner with Walter Mills, of Oldham; John Hogan, of Royton; and Thomas Steele, of Springhead, the local heroes to be honoured.

As part of the four-year centenary programme, Communities Secretary Eric Pickles has announced a national competition to design the stones, with the winners announced in October.

Mr Pickles said: “It’s our duty to remember the British and Commonwealth troops who lost their lives fighting in the Great War and we are determined to make sure their bravery for king and country is not forgotten.”

Acts of commemoration will start on August 4, 2014, with a service for Commonwealth leaders in Glasgow, a candlelit vigil in Westminster Abbey and an event at the military cemetery in St Symphorien.

Other key dates will be marked including the centenaries of the Gallipoli landings, the Battle of Jutland, the first day of the Battle of the Somme, the first day of Passchendaele and Armistice Day.

Sgt Hogan, of the 2nd Batallion Manchester Regiment, was awarded the VC for recapturing a trench near Festubert in October, 1914, and recieved the honour from King George V in 1915. He died in 1943 and is buried in Chadderton Cemetery.

Walter Mills was awarded the VC after he was caught in a gas attack on the Western Front on December 10, 1917. He stayed at his post alone and threw bombs until the enemy retreated. He died of gas poisoning as he was carried away.

Thomas Steele was born in Springhead before enlisting with the 1st Batallion Seaforth Highlanders at the age of 20.

He was awarded the VC in Mesopotamia (now Iraq) in January, 1917, when he helped a comrade carry a machine gun into position under heavy fire.